International Freight Shipping to Honduras

➤ Get cost-effective shipping solutions to Honduras with LAC! We offer the best freight shipping services across the Americas

Choose the Best Freight Forwarder to Safely Transport Your Goods to Honduras From the US and Canada

Exporting cargo to Honduras, whether it’s your first time or a regular occurrence, can pose significant challenges. Navigating the intricacies of shipping to a country like Honduras requires careful consideration of various factors.

If you’re based in Canada or the US and lack extensive familiarity with the Latin American market, it’s crucial to partner with a cargo shipping company that understands the business culture, language, and customs regulations. Opt for a provider with a proven track record of success in shipping from the USA to Honduras.

What Can You Expect in Honduras as a North American Business?

Regulations, communication methods, and business etiquette in Honduras differ significantly from those in the US or Canada.

Hondurans, known for their reserved yet friendly demeanor, value trust, honor, and camaraderie. They prioritize personal connections over the more formal business approach common in the US or Canada. Building informal business relationships, or ‘friendships’, is crucial, as personal loyalty often outweighs company loyalty. Leveraging third-party introductions is also vital for business success in Honduras. Having a respected individual vouch for you and your company can significantly boost your credibility.

While Hondurans generally have a more relaxed approach to time management than Americans and Europeans, punctuality for business appointments is essential.

Language can also be a consideration. While many highly educated business executives are fluent in English, Spanish remains the primary language for everyday communication.

Quick Facts About Honduras (2023)

• Capital: Tegucigalpa
• Other Large Cities: San Pedro Sula, Choloma, La Ceiba, El Progreso, Comayagua, Danlí, Choluteca
• Population: 10,507,006 (2023 est., World Bank) (Urban Population: ~61.2%)
• Official languages: Spanish
• Time Zone: GMT -6
• Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)

Economic Snapshot (Source: IMF – World Bank, 2023 est.)

• GDP: 30.79 billion USD (2022, World Bank) (GDP Growth: 4.0% (2022), 3.5% projected 2023, World Bank / GDP per capita: 2,950 USD (2022, World Bank)
• Inflation Rate: 9.8% (Avg 2022, World Bank)
• Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2022 est., World Bank)
• Total Imports of Goods: 17.23 billion USD (2022 est., World Bank)
• FDI Inward Flow: 1.051 billion USD (2022 est., World Bank)
• Ease of Doing Business Score (2020): 131st / 190 (Note: The World Bank discontinued the Doing Business report in 2021)

Why Doing Business With Honduras?

Honduras offers unique opportunities for US and Canadian businesses looking to expand their reach in Central America. Strategically located at the heart of the region, Honduras serves as an ideal hub for regional distribution with its growing economy and improved infrastructure.

The country has diversified beyond agriculture into manufacturing, particularly in textiles, apparel, and automotive parts. The Central America – Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) has eliminated duties on many North American goods, creating a favorable trading environment.

For US and Canadian businesses, Honduras presents several advantages:

• Proximity, resulting in shorter shipping times and potentially lower costs
• Many transactions conducted in US dollars, simplifying financial operations
• Growing demand for imported consumer goods, technology, and industrial equipment
• Thriving maquiladora industry, offering opportunities in manufacturing and textiles

To navigate freight shipping to Honduras effectively, partner with experienced logistics providers like LAC, who understand local customs regulations, offer efficient port and inland transportation services, and can handle various types of cargo.

By leveraging these advantages and working with knowledgeable partners, your business can tap into the growing potential of the Honduran market and use it as a springboard for broader Central American expansion.

Honduras Trade Overview (Updated 2024)

MAIN IMPORTS:

• Petroleum: Remains vital for energy needs
• Medicaments: Essential for healthcare
• Vehicles & Parts: Both for personal and commercial use
• Telecommunication equipment: Supporting expanding communication networks
• Iron & Steel: For construction and manufacturing
• Food & beverages: Meeting consumer demand and supplementing domestic production
• Machinery & Electrical equipment
• Plastics and plastic articles

MAIN EXPORTS:

• Coffee: Continues to be a major agricultural export
• Clothing & Textiles: Significant contributor to the manufacturing sector
• Electric Wire & Cables: Growing export product
• Crustaceans: Leveraging marine resources
• Palm Oil: Expanding agricultural product with export potential
• Fruits: Bananas, melons, and other tropical fruits
• Gold: Mined and exported, contributing to the mining sector
• Forestry & Paper: Utilizing natural resources
• Sugar: Traditional agricultural export
• Zinc ores
• Lead ores

INDUSTRIES WITH STRONG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

• Textile & Apparel: Established industry with potential for growth
• Light Manufacturing: Expanding beyond textiles to include electronics and other products
• Agriculture: Diversification into high-value crops and sustainable practices
• Tourism: Developing the country’s natural and cultural attractions
• Renewable Energy: Increasing focus on solar, wind, and hydropower
• Infrastructure: Ongoing investments in roads, ports, and energy projects
• Logistics & Transportation: Supporting trade and regional connectivity
• Call Centers & BPO: Growing industry leveraging bilingual workforce
• Construction: Driven by infrastructure development and housing needs
• Mining: Potential for further exploration and development of mineral resources

PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS:

• USA: Remains the dominant trading partner
• Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica): Important regional trade
• Mexico: Growing trade relationship, particularly for imports
• China: Source of various manufactured goods
• Europe (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Italy): Market for Honduran exports
• Colombia, Brazil, Japan: Emerging trade partners

What Makes LAC Your Ideal Logistics Partner?

Every country across the globe presents a unique blend of laws, regulations, customs requirements, and cultural nuances. When aiming to enter the Honduran market, it’s crucial to partner with a logistics firm that comprehends the local culture, business environment, and language.

Our team of seasoned professionals offers top-notch freight forwarding services with unbeatable rates for shipping to Honduras. With our collective expertise, deep-rooted knowledge, logistical prowess, and local affiliations, we ensure your goods reach their destination swiftly, securely, and hassle-free.

Your company’s success in Honduras is our priority. Latin American Cargo stands as your ideal freight forwarding partner, dedicated to serving your best interests every step of the way.

Key Considerations When Shipping to Honduras

Import and Customs Procedures

• Accurate documentation is crucial to prevent delays or penalties.
• Agricultural products require an import permit from SENASA (available online).
• Required documents include Phyto- or Zoo-Sanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, and invoice copy.
• Animal-based foods need Spanish labels with expiration date, lot number, and production date.
• U.S. poultry exports must have an FSIS Certificate from the USDA confirming Avian Influenza-free origin.
• Dairy imports require a separate license from the Ministry of Economic Development.

Essential Paperwork for International Shipments

• Typical documents: Commercial invoice, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Packing List, Insurance Certificate, and Certificate of Origin (if applicable).
• Detailed packing lists are crucial; avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous” to prevent additional inspections.

Regulations and Restrictions

• Stringent regulations apply, especially for agricultural products, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and antiques.
• Prohibited items include certain used vehicles, clothing, tires, specific machinery, and toxic wastes.
• Duties and tariffs are based on total shipment value and can be influenced by documentation quality.

Latin American Cargo (LAC) simplifies shipping to Honduras by leveraging our extensive experience in navigating these regulations and customs procedures.

Main Ocean Ports and Cargo Airports When Shipping to Honduras

For sea freight, the primary ocean ports in Honduras are Puerto Cortes, the largest port in Central America, Puerto Castilla and San Lorenzo. These ports boast robust infrastructure capable of handling significant cargo volumes and maintain a reliable network of shipping lines.

For air freight, the main cargo airports in Honduras are Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula and Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa. These airports are well-equipped and serviced by several major airlines, ensuring efficient and timely transport of cargo.

Count on us for your cargo shipping needs to Honduras. With our in-depth knowledge of shipping routes and customs regulations in Honduras, we deliver unmatched service in terms of cost-effectiveness, speed, and reliability. Whether your cargo is small or large, we have the solutions to meet your shipping requirements.